Formwork Loop-Hook Element for Weld-Free Reinforcement Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing formwork systems for concrete construction are labor-intensive and costly due to their weight and the complexity of securing large-format elements, particularly in high-pressure applications, where traditional fixation methods like welding are time-consuming and difficult to implement.

Innovation Solution

A formwork system featuring a loop-hook element made from a bent steel rod, which is easily attached to a tension strut and reinforcement bars without welding, allowing for quick and secure fixation using a safety bolt and loop-hook mechanism, reducing the need for on-site welding and simplifying the attachment process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional welding methods are used to fix formwork elements to reinforcement, then secure anchoring is achieved, but installation time and labor intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure anchoringVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The formwork system is divided into modular components: formwork elements with integrated suspension means, tension struts, and loop-hook elements. This segmentation allows pre-fabricated modules to be quickly assembled on-site without welding, reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension means, including loop-hook elements and tension struts, are pre-assembled and prepared before reaching the construction site. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming on-site welding operations, as components are ready for immediate installation and securing to the reinforcement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If large-format formwork elements are used to reduce the number of components, then erection efficiency improves, but the weight and difficulty of handling increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerection efficiencyVSAvoidformwork element weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The formwork system uses appropriately sized modular elements that balance handling ease with erection efficiency. Each element is sized to remain manageable for workers while the overall system achieves high productivity through reduced component count and standardized assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The formwork elements are designed with optimized dimensions and material distribution, providing sufficient structural performance for high concrete pressure applications while keeping weight manageable. The suspension means are strategically positioned to provide adequate support without requiring excessive material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If complex suspension systems are used to secure formwork under high concrete pressure, then anchoring reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring reliabilityVSAvoidsuspension system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension means are integrated directly into the formwork element structure, combining the formwork and suspension functions into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate, complex suspension systems while maintaining anchoring reliability through the built-in loop-hook elements and tension struts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The loop-hook elements are designed to be self-securing, where the tension strut automatically engages with the reinforcement through the loop-hook mechanism. This self-service feature eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple fastening steps, reducing system complexity while ensuring reliable anchoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2378030B1Formwork system
Publication Date: 2016.02.17 PECA VERBUNDTECHN
  • EP2378030B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2378030B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2378030B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The system has a formwork element (1) with a planar formwork part (3), which is aligned perpendicular to a reinforcement layer (6) in an assembled position. A loop-hook-element (8) is arranged at an end of a tie bar (4) e.g. metal bar, where the end is adjacent to the reinforcement layer. The loop-hook-element is hooked around reinforcement bars of the reinforcement layer or around a safety pin (5). The safety pin is guided betweens the reinforcement bars and a loop inversion region, or one of the reinforcement bars is guided between the pin and the inversion region.